Comparison of Conventional Cyclic Steaming and Steamflooding in a Massive, Dipping, Midway Sunset Field Reservoir

Abstract

ABSTRACT Two thermally enhanced oil recovery methods, cyclic steaming and steamflooding, have been investigated by means of numerical modeling for a massive, dipping, Midway Sunset Field reservoir. Comparative economics have been evaluated for the development alternatives. The results of the investigation indicate that ultimate recovery efficiency is not sensitive to the method of steam delivery to the reservoir. Cyclic steaming methods recovered the same percentage of- original oil in place as did steamflooding. The cyclic operations required several times longer than steamflooding to reach the same ultimate recovery efficiency. On a steam utilization efficiency basis (oil to steam ratio), cyclic steaming with small steam slug volumes proved to be the most efficient recovery method. As the rate of steam injection increased, the steam utilization efficiency decreased, regardless of the manner in which steam was delivered to the reservoir. Despite having the poorest steam utilization efficiency, steamflooding provided far superior economics as compared to conventional low- or moderate slug volume cyclic steaming. This is directly attributable to steamflooding having the fastest rate of increase in average reservoir temperature and therefore the greatest rate of net recovery as compared to the alternatives investigated. Steamflooding exhibited a much quicker payout of development capital and a greater present value return per dollar invested.